Search Results: NaturallyCurly

Want your curly hair journey featured on NaturallyCurly? Share it with us here to be a part of our Texture Tales interview series!

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up I found myself, at such a young age, wondering why my hair was different than the girls around me, than the girls in movies, magazines, etc. I grew up desperately wanting my hair to be straight, to be able to just run my fingers through, and to simply just love my hair. In most of my schools (I went to quite a few”>, there weren’t many girls with my kind of hair, if not any at all. I remember wanting straight hair so bad, after I’d wash my hair, I would wear it in a sleek, tight bun before bed so that in the morning my hair would be dry and my curls all stretched out to the point of being straight. Once I hit High School, I started just embracing my curls the way they were, still lacking proper knowledge on how to care for them.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

After I started High School, the desire for straight hair quickly faded. I was more focused on just wearing my hair to where it looked good in my eyes. I would feel uncomfortable in straight hair, feeling like it was frizzy or not straight enough. I didn’t want to deal with that on a daily basis. Although I wore my hair curly throughout my life, I didn’t quite have the proper knowledge on how to care for it. After years of using the wrong ingredients, then pregnancy hormones, and bleaching it at home, I decided no more! I went deep into research on how to restore the health of my curls and I’ve never looked back.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most empowering moment in my hair journey had to be when I came across the Curly Girl Method. While, I didn’t/don’t 100% follow the method (I tweaked it to work for me”>, it opened my eyes to so much more, to products I had never even thought to try, to a community I had no idea existed, and to a love for my curls I should have had from the start.

What is your curl pattern?

Type 3b

How do you protect your curls at night?

To protect my curls at night (most nights “>, I have my beloved silk pillow case from LilySilk, as well as a silk bonnet that surprisingly stays on the whole night. I also pineapple my hair whether I wear the bonnet or not.

Who is your curl crush?

To name a few, I’d say Hortencia @stylefeen, Michelle Ana @lovemichelleana, Mel @manesbymel, Rocio @larocioisabel, Merian @herbalmmo and I could go on and on.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

My curly girl essential that I can’t live without would have to be Righteous Roots Oils. I use this every single day for scalp massages, to scrunch out the crunch, and to pre poo. This holy grail oil has been a part of my routine since March 2017.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

My current routine is quite simple. My wash days consist of a good clarifying shampoo, conditioner/deep conditioner, a leave in or light weight cream, a gel with good hold, the CurlyCo Diffuser and Righteous Roots Oils to scrunch out the cast. I also love a good one and done product for styling. Some of my absolute favorite brands right now are LUS Brands, Rizos Curls, Curlsmith, Flora and Curl, Breahni, Ouidad, TreLuxe, Not Your Mother’s Natural, My Soigne, Aunt Jackie’s, RealSelf Works, to name a few.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most challenging moment in my journey has been probably achieving volume while also keeping my length. Wanting a specific type of volume and not accepting my own. Some days I want long hair, other days I want it short. Another frustration I hardly mention is parting my hair. Parting my hair can be such a struggle because my hair tends to part however it wants and it’s usually not how I want.

Read more: I Have Fine, High Porosity, Type 3b Curly Hair

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

I would have to say I had no clue what scrunching out the cast was. It was mind blowing what was hiding underneath my gel cast. All my life, walking around with crunchy hair, who knew right? Another thing was, deep conditioning and scalp massages have made such a huge impact in the health of my hair. And another thing I had no knowledge of was diffusing. Diffusing for me, helps me achieve that volume I strive to achieve.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

My advice to those who still struggle to love and accept their natural texture is to never stop finding ways, finding reasons to embrace it. To really sit back and embrace the very beauty of what makes you, YOU. Every texture is unique and learning to see the beauty in it, accepting what you have will not only allow you to feel beautiful inside but will radiate on the outside for others to see.

Read next: Texture Tales: A Cancer Diagnosis Lead to My Naturally Wavy Journey

Whether you’ve been looking to splurge or save, stock up on your favorites or try out something new, Black Friday is your time to shine. This Black Friday SHOPNaturallyCurly is offering 20% off sitewide with free US ground shipping. All you have to do is enter the code 20BF22 at checkout!

Everything in the SHOP is on sale, but if you need help narrowing down your options these are the top selling curl products to put on your radar!

1. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam 

List Price: $14.99 With Deal: $9.59

2. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter 

List Price: $16.99 With Deal: $13.59

3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

List Price: $10.99 With Deal: $8.79

4. The Doux One Love CoWash

List Price: $12.99 With Deal: $10.39

5. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle 

List Price: $9.29 With Deal: $7.43

6. Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go Curl Cocktail Conditioning Cream

List Price: $11.99 With Deal: $9.59

7. Jane Carter Solution Natural & Curly Hair Essential Travel Kit

List Price: $20 With Deal: $16

8. Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Thermal Protection Creme 

List Price: $7.99 With Deal: $6.39

9. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel 

List Price: $8.49 With Deal: $6.79

10. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Fix My Hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque 

List Price: $8.39 With Deal: $6.71

11. EDEN BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Natural Deep Conditioner 

List Price: $9.29 With Deal: $7.43

12. Alikay Naturals Wake Me Up Daily Curl Refresher 

List Price: $13.99 With Deal: $11.19

13. KinkyCurly Spiral Spritz 

List Price: $11.99 With Deal: $9.59

14. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil 

List Price: $9.99 With Deal: $7.99

15. KinkyCurly Curling Custard 

List Price: $16.99 With Deal: $13.59

16. As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Olive & Tea Tree Oil Conditioner 

List Price: $10.99 With Deal: $8.79

17. Thermal Hair Care Comic Hot Head

List Price: $29.95 With Deal: $23.96

18. UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo

List Price: $28.50 With Deal: $15.96

19. Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil 

List Price: $13.99 With Deal: $11.19

20. Botanika Beauty The Mendor

List Price: $11.99 With Deal: $9.59

 

Remember to enter the code 20BF22 at checkout!

The Amazon Black Friday deals are live for everything from appliances to sneakers to your favorite leave-in conditioners and deep treatments. These are the curl stylers, moisturizers, and wash day must-haves that are on sale at Amazon this Black Friday. 

Stylers

1. Redken Curvaceous Ringlet Shape Perfecting Lotion

List Price: $24.00 With Deal: $16.80

If you like to use stylers with a lotion consistency, the Redken Curvaceous Lotion offers lightweight hold for Type 2 and 3 waves and curls. 

2. Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair

List Price: $24.00 With Deal: $16.80

Wavies and curlies love the super lightweight hold and frizz control this spray provides. It’s recommended for Type 2a-3b waves and curls, and those with fine hair even find it helps with volume. 

3. Bed Head by Tigi Hair Wax Stick for Strong Hold

List Price: $19.99 With Deal: $12.99

This TikTok-favorite contains Castor Oil and can be used around the hairline for sleek hairstyles and wigs.

4. Design Essentials Natural,Almond & Avocado Honey Curl Forming Custard

List Price: $16.99 With Deal: $15.95

This nourishing styler gives medium to firm controllable hold that’s perfect for wash and gos, finger coils, twists, Bantu knots and more. 

5. Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade For Curly, Damaged, Natural Hair

List Price: $11.99 With Deal: $10.70

This multi-use styler can be used for smoothing edges, protection for heat styling, adding shine, touching up kids’ curls, and providing anti-itch relief and moisture for the scalp. It will work hard in your curl regimen. 

6. Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream

List Price: $36.00 With Deal: $25.20

This Moroccanoil styler provides more hydration and hold than the Curl Defining Cream above and can be used as both a leave-in and a styler. 

7. IGK BEACH CLUB Texture Spray

List Price: $32.00 With Deal: $22.40

For undone, beachy texture without the salt, this Texture Spray provides a bit of grit and soft hold in a non-drying formula. 

8. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

List Price: $20.00 With Deal $14

This Holy Grail, plant-based dry shampoo will buy you a few extra days in between wash days.

9. SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder

List Price: $18.95 With Deal: $13.27

Sprinkle this powder on your roots for extra lift and fullness to your waves or curls. 

Treatments

10. Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment

List Price: $30.00 With Deal: $24

This game-changing treatment was formulated to repair extreme damage caused by chemical treatments. You can learn more about how Olaplex No.3 works on curly hair here.

11. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil

List Price: $13.99 With Deal: $10.39

This blend contains some of our all-time favorites: castor oil, oilve oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil and black cumin seed oil. Use it to nourish the scalp or protect your ends from breakage this winter.

12. L’Oreal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar, Rinse out Moisturizing Hair Treatment

List Price: $10.99 With Deal: $8.39

This award-winning, innovative liquid treatment formula is activated by water and may even give you a warming sensation in the 8 seconds it takes to treat your hair. 

13. Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother

List Price: $30.00 With Deal: $24

This leave-in strengthens and hydrates curls damaged by chemical treatments, hair dye or heat styling. If your hair is feeling brittle from any of the above, give this a try. 

14. PURA D’OR Organic Vitamin E Oil

List Price: $16.99 With Deal: $9.99

Whether you’re consuming Vitamin E capsules or applying the oil to your hair, Vitamin E can have amazing benefits for your curls and your skin. 

15. Mother’s Shea Mother’s Shea Whipped Shea Butter 100% Pure Raw Unrefined African Shea

Price: $17.99 with 20% off

Shea Butter can fill so many roles in your natural hair regimen! It can soothe your scalp, offer heat protection, soften brittle hair, and even shield you from ultra violet rays.

16. Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil for Eyelashes and Eyebrows

Price: $13.99 and has a $4 coupon

This castor oil comes with a convenient kit so that you can easily apply the hair growth benefits to your eyebrows and eyelashes.

17. Aussie Deep Conditioner For Dry Hair with Avocado, Paraben Free, 3 Minute Miracle Moist

List Price: $16.99 With Deal: $14.97

This triple pack of Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner will keep you moisturized for the rest of the year and beyond. 

Leave-Ins and Detanglers

18. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-in Conditioner Treatment

List Price: $10.99 With Deal: $6.90 

SheaMoisture’s Coconut Oil Leave-In was formulated to help you detangle and improve the manageability of your curls and coils – without the use of silicones. 

19. MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner

List Price: $25 With Deal: $15

If this multi-tasking product is a heavy hitter in your regimen, this is the perfect time to pick up the larger bottle of 13.5 fl oz.

20. Kenra Daily Provision Leave-In Conditioner 

List Price: $16.99 With Deal: $10.19

This lightweight leave-in can aid in your detangling on wash day or refresh your dry waves and curls on day two or three. 

21. UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In

List Price: $32.50 With Deal: $22.75

If you’re going to be spending time out doors or using heat styling tools, this leave-in detangler provides the added benefit of protecting you from UV and thermal damage. 

22. Pantene Conditioning Detangler Spray, Nutrient Boost, Pro-V Repair and Protect for Damaged Hair, 8.5 oz, 3 count

List Price: $17.99 With Deal: $14.97

If you have fine hair that’s prone to fairy knots, this triple pack of detanglers could come in handy.

23. Aussie Kids Moist Detangler for Kids, Sulfate Free and Paraben Free, 8 fl oz, Triple Pack

List Price: $14.91 and has a 20% coupon

And here’s a triple pack of detanglers for the curly kiddos in your life. 

Cleansers & Conditioners

24. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

List Price: $30.00 With Deal: $24

This highly-moisturizing, reparative conditioner works to re-link bonds in damaged hair that’s suffering from frizz, split ends and frizz. 

25. BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Conditioner | Anti-Frizz Deep Conditioner 

List Price: $37.00 With Deal: $25.90

Wish your conditioner came in larger quantities? This jumbo size bottle contains over 33 ounces of conditioner.

26. Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler

Price: $14.98

Curlies love the slip and the value of the Aussie Moist line – and your curly kiddos will love them too. 

27. Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

List Price: $30.00 With Deal: $24

Olaplex’s latest cleanser is a clarifier that’s non-drying and pH balanced. 

28. WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner Set

List Price: $30.64 With Deal: $23.36

If you want the clarifying benefits of an apple cider vinegar rinse without actually using a bottle of acv, this shampoo and conditioner were formulated to open clogged hair follicles and breaks down itchy build-up. 

29. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Curly Hair Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set

List Price: $18 With Deal: $13.50

Carol’s Daughter Founder Lisa Price made Black Vanilla in her kitchen over 20 years ago, and curlies have been loving its moisturizing effects ever since. 

30. Goody Ouchless Womens Elastic Hair Tie – 27 Count

List Price: $7.79 With Deal $6.17

These always seem to go missing just when you need them – might as well stock up while they’re on sale!

What will you be treating your curls to this Black Friday? 

We know Product Junkies don’t need an excuse to save on their favorite products, but just in case, we’re sharing 20 below. These are the top-selling products of October on SHOPNaturallyCurly, read on to see what fellow curly girls (and guys”> have been snapping up this season. And because it’s the season for tricks and treats, you can save 20% on all the products listed below as well as storewide on SHOPNaturallyCurly when you enter the code 20TREATS22 at checkout. And as our treat, get free shipping on orders of $50 or more. 

1. CURLS Curl Souffle 

On sale for: $12.80

Regular price: $16

2. HPO Simply Curly Conditioning Styling Pudding 

On sale for: $14.40

Regular price: $18

3. DevaCurl No-Poo Original 

On sale for: $17.60

Regular price: $22

4. DevaCurl One Condition Original Creamy Daily Conditioner 

On sale for: $17.60

Regular price: $22

5. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk 

On sale for: $11.99

Regular price: $14.99

6. Oyin Handmade Hair Dew 

On sale for: $11.19

Regular price: $13.99

7. tgin Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Conditioner 

On sale for: $11.99

Regular price: $14.99

8. The Mane Choice Exotic Cool Laid Minty Guava & Kiwi Shampoo 

On sale for: $11.19

Regular price: $13.99

9. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Marshmallow and Agave Leaf Extract 

On sale for: 

Regular price: $21.99

10. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Midnite Train Leavein Conditioner 

On sale for: $17.59

Regular price: $10.99

11. CURLS Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner 

On sale for: $16

Regular price: $20

12. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque 

On sale for: $15.19

Regular price: $18.99

13. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Good Hair Conditioning Style Creme 

On sale for: $14.39

Regular price: $17.99

14. Botanika Beauty The Mendor

On sale for: $9.59

Regular price: $11.99

15. Luster’s SCurl Free Flow Natural Wave Butter 

On sale for: $7.19

Regular price: $8.99

16. MIZANI Coconut Souffle Light Moisturizing Hairdress 

On sale for: $16

Regular price: $20

17. KinkyCurly Curling Custard 

On sale for: $13.59

Regular price: $16.99

18. Palmer’s Manuka Flower Honey Finishing Hair Oil 

On sale for: $6

Regular price: $7.50

19 The Mane Choice Proceed With Caution Killer Curls & Brutal Bounce Stop The Damage Pre or Post Poo Mask 

On sale for: $14.39

Regular price: $17.99

20. The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Super Antioxidant & Texture Beautifier 5-Minute Reviving Mask 

On sale for: $14.39

Regular price: $17.99

Read next: 20 Silicone Free Curl Styling Products

What treats are you wanting to try this season?

The Amazon Prime Early Access sale is here, and to us that means a chance to save on our Holy Grail curl products and a low-risk way to try something new. You could get a head start on your holiday shopping or simply re-stock on your tried and true favorite products. 

What is Prime Early Access?

The Prime Early Access sale is an Amazon Prime members-only sale being held on October 11-12, 2022. These deals are included with your Prime Membership.

The Prime Day discounts range from home appliances to shoes and more, but we are zooming in on the curly hair product savings and sharing them with you for easy shopping. We’ve rounded up the curl stylers, gentle cleansers, moisturizing conditioners, diffusers, styling tools, hair growth products and deep treatments that we know curly girls are looking for.

 

1. OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

Deal Price: $51.14 for 33.8 fl oz

You save: $23.86 (32%”>

2. Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment

Deal Price: $24 for 3.3 oz

You save: $6.00 (20%”>

3. PURA D’OR Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo & Conditioner

Deal Price: $39.99 for two 16 oz bottles

Get 5% back ($1.99 in rewards”>

4. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Deal Price: $24.00 for 8.5 oz

You save: $6.00 (20%”>

5. Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser

This popular diffuser attachment is made for blow dryers with 1.8 inch diameter nozzle – check yours before you add to cart!

Deal Price: $11.20

You save: 20%

6. Organic Aloe Vera Gel KinRose Care

Deal Price: $9.59 for 12 oz

You save: $2.40 (20%”>

7. All About Curls Lo-Lather & No-Lather Cleanser

Deal Price: $9.80 for 15 oz

You save: $4.20 (30%”>

8. ABBA Moisture Conditioner, Olive Butter & Peppermint Oil

Deal Price: $30.00 for 32 oz

You save: $10.00 (25%”>

9. Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Deal Price: $24.00 for 8.5 oz

You save: $6.00 (20%”>

10. Viviscal Women’s Hair Growth Supplements

Deal Price: $57.90 for 180 tablets

You save: $37.09 (39%”>

11. Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush

Deal Price: $6.98

You save: 30%

12. UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner

Deal Price: $22.75 for 8 oz

You save: $9.75 (30%”>

13. OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

Deal Price: $19.50 for 5.7 oz

You save: $6.50 (25%”>

14. L’ANZA Neem Plant Healing Strength Serum

Deal Price: $27.30 for 3.4 oz

You save: $11.70 (30%”>

15. amika perk up talc-free dry shampoo

Deal Price: $20.80 for 5.3 oz

You save: $5.20 (20%”>

16. Olaplex Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Deal Price: $24.00 for 3 oz

You save: $6.00 (20%”>

17. Gold ‘N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer

Deal Price: $34.30

You save: $30.69 (47%”>

18. ABBA Moisture Shampoo, Olive & Peppermint Oil

Deal Price: $25.50

You save: $8.50 (25%”>

19. 9-Row Cushion Nylon Bristle And Travel Brush 2 Pieces Hair Brush

This is not a Denman brush but curly reviewers find it comparable!

Deal Price: $10.98

You save: 22%

20. Peach not Plastic Conditioner Bar

If you’re looking for eco friendly ways to decrease plastic use in your beauty routine, consider shampoo and conditioner bars like this one.

Deal Price: $11.66 for 2.8 oz

You save: Get 5% back in rewards

21. Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother

Deal Price: $24.00 for 3.3 oz

You save: $6.00 (20%”>

22. Color Wow Root Cover Up

Deal Price: $24.15

You save: $10.34 (30%”>

23. ZIMASILK 22 Momme 100% Mulberry Silk Sleep Cap

Deal Price: $26.39

You save: 20%

24. TWIST Weather Up Gel Weightless Curl Defining Gel

Deal Price: $8.99 for 10.5 oz

You save: $3.00 (25%”>

25. Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand

If you ever use a curling wand to shape your curls, the cone-shaped wands and various sizes in this set create a more realistic look to the curls.

Deal Price: $80.49

You save: $34.50 (30%”>

26. PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar Thin2Thick Set 

Deal Price: $28.49 for two 16 oz bottles

You save: Get 5% back ($1.42 in rewards”>

28. R+Co High Dive Moisture and Shine Crème

Deal Price: $23.80 for 5 oz

You save: $10.20 (30%”>

29. Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner

Deal Price: $24.65 for 13.5 oz

You save: $4.35 (15%”>

30. DevaCurl DevaFuser

The DevaFuser attachment is a cult favorite but is not a universal attachment. Its barrel is 1.75 inches wide so check your dryer before purchasing.

Deal Price: $38.50

You save: 30%

31. Living Proof Curl Defining Gel

Deal Price: $19.59 for 5 oz

You save: $8.41 (30%”>

32. TWIST Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo

Deal Price: $7.27 for 13 oz

You save: $4.72 (39%”>

33. Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Hair Mask for Damaged Hair

Deal Price: $16.15 for 5 oz

You save: $2.85 (15%”>

34. Unwash Wide Tooth Detangler Comb

Deal Price: $8.50

You save: $1.50 (15%”>

35. Unwash Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub Shampoo with Tea Tree Oil + Peppermint for itchy scalp

Deal Price: $24.65 for 8.8 oz

You save: $4.35 (15%”>

36. YANIBEST Satin Bonnet Silk Bonnet Hair Bonnet

Deal Price: $8.34

You save: 69%

37. PURA D’OR Organic Jojoba Oil

Deal Price: $14.97 for 4 oz

You save: Get 5% back in rewards

38. Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

Deal Price: $25.20

You save: $10.80 (30%”>

39. DevaCurl DevaDryer

Deal Price: $122.50

You save: $52.50 (30%”>

40. ABBA Gentle Conditioner, Cherry Bark & Aloe

Deal Price: $14.96 for 8 oz

You save: $4.99 (25%”>

41. Unwash Anti Residue Hair Cleanser: Gentle pH Balanced Clarifying Shampoo

Deal Price: $8.50 for 2.5 oz

You save:$1.50 (15%”>

42. All About Curls Luxe Leave-In Detangler

Deal Price: $9.80 for 7.5 oz

You save: $4.20 (30%”>

43. Living Proof Curl Elongator

Deal Price: $26.59 for 8 oz

You save: $11.41 (30%”>

44. TWIST Weather Up Lotion Super Light Styling Lotion

Deal Price: $9.19 for 8.45 oz

You save: $2.80 (23%”>

45. All About Curls Boosting Foam

Deal Price: $9.80 for 6.7 oz

You save: $4.20 (30%”>

 What will you be adding to your curly hair regimen during the sale? 

Curl products, diffusers, texture experts, defined curls and coils were all present at the Fe Noel runway show at New York Fashion Week. And we are here for it!

“For so long, and even now, some model feel so traumatized that they come with their hair already done, because they don’t know that there are people that are actually going to be at the show that know how to handle their hair” Unilever Stylist & Celebrity Hair Artist Lacy Redway told us backstage with the TRESemmé team. “So we’re just trying to make sure that everybody’s hair type gets the same amount of attention and address their hair needs.” 

Read more: Lacy Redway on Styling ALL Hair Types at Fashion Week

NaturallyCurly photographer Kadar Smalls went backstage to bring the fashion week looks to our curly community, no matter where you are in the world. 

All photos taken by Kadar Smalls for NaturallyCurly

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I did not necessarily grow up with naturally textured hair. I got my hair relaxed at age 12. Prior to a relaxer, my hair was straightened using a pressing comb, so I never really experienced curly hair as a child.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

Over 10 years ago, I noticed that my hair started to get thinner and thinner, although it was super long, it was thin. I didn’t wear weave. I didn’t use permanent color. I washed my hair weekly. I gave my hair moisturizing and protein treatments. So the only thing I could contribute it to was the relaxer. So, I sat in my stylist’s chair and told her to cut it all off’.

As a cosmetologist, I am no stranger to switching up my look! But that time, it was different. That time, it felt like I saw my true self for the first time at age 33. And I have never looked back!

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey was surprisingly not the moment I went natural, but the day I decided to embrace my GREY natural hair.

The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey was surprisingly not the moment I went natural, but the day I decided to embrace my GREY natural hair.

I am an artist. I love color – both in my fashion choices and my hair. I have worn my hair pink, red, burgundy, purple and everything in between.

About 5 years ago, I noticed the crown of my hair started to grey more and more. As opposed to covering the grey, I decided I would rock it! Grey is ‘colorful’ as well.

What was most empowering was the realization that my hair is still fabulous (and so am I”> even with grey. I think I get just as many compliments with my grey hair as I did without it. It doesn’t age me. It just makes me more authentically me.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I hate bonnets! I sleep with a silk pillowcase. I typically wear my hair in a twist out so a few times per week I put it in about 5 big chunky twists, and lay on my silk pillowcase.

If I wear my hair in a wash n go, or curl definition style, I just sleep on the silk pillowcase.

Now on rare occasions when I actually get my hair styled in a twisted up, I will wrap it up with a satin scarf for bed.

Who is your curl crush?

Believe it or not — I DON’T HAVE ONE! Lol! I guess because my hands have been in thousands of textures and curl patterns, I have a true appreciation for all curls. Even though we have a curl typing system, I have never seen a curly girl’s hair that was exactly like someone elses. So my curl crushes would be all of the thousands of women who have sat in my chair and allowed me to treat and style the many curls, textures, types, and patterns! I love them all!

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

My curly girl essential is GLYCERIN (in water”>. My hair loves moisturizers and styling products with vegetable glycerin. I will even mix glycerin in my water bottle and just give it a spray.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

My hair regimen involves regular cleansing of my hair AND scalp. We forget about the importance of proper scalp care. I think that infrequent shampooing, particularly for those with kinky curly hair, result in poor scalp hygiene and compromised hair growth.

I use the entire Curl House Hair Restoration Collection. The entire product line is designed with the health of your scalp in mind. My favorite product in the collection is the Curl House Follicle Stimulating Growth Drops which are a blend of botanicals that hydrate and stimulate the hair follicles to promote growth. The drops are water based, as opposed to oil. I think so many women run to oils or ‘grease their scalp’ but what they really need is moisture, which is only attained through water.

I also love the Hair Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner, and use it daily.

I cut all of my hair off in May 2020, used the Hair Restoration Collection, and my hair grew like wildfire.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most challenging moment of my natural hair journey was when my hair started to fall out in 2018. The hair fall out was triggered by excessive stress, but the underlying condition was genetic hair loss – also called female pattern hair loss. I am a certified Trichologist (hair loss and scalp specialist”> so I know why women lose their hair. And I have treated and helped hundreds of women to restore their hair. However, I didn’t think that I would have to be my own patient. Initially, it was very discouraging, but as a result, I could better relate to and empathize with my clients.

And, I also had to make the very lifestyle changes that I encourage my clients to make. Exercise more. Drink water. Manage your stress. Incorporate more whole fruits and veggies. Take vitamins. Let my lifestyle become my medicine. After about 6 months of treatment and changes, my hair started to flourish again.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Some people say my hair “grows like weeds.” Maybe that was the case in my 20s or even my 30s, but now that I’m in my 40s (with hot flashes and the other hormonal changes that come with age”>, it requires a little more work to maintain the health of my hair.

I have adopted a healthier lifestyle (mentioned above”> that has made the biggest difference in the health of my hair. For example, I exercise regularly, which increases blood circulation to the scalp for maximum growth.

To keep this hair growing strong, the other major change I made was to start caring for the health of my scalp!

To keep this hair growing strong, the other major change I made was to start caring for the health of my scalp! Healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp. I cleanse my hair and scalp about once per week. I use the Follicle Stimulating Growth Drops and apply to my scalp 2-3 times per week. The quality of my hair is so much stronger as a result.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

I would encourage any woman who is struggling with loving their natural texture to give it time. In a relationship, love at first sight is unrealistic for most people. It takes TIME to get to know and fall in love with your partner. You have to get to know them, understand their unique qualities, accept the things you may not like about them, and eventually choose to love them.

The very same principles apply to your hair. You can’t love something you do not know. I encourage you to take the time to get to know your hair. Learn your texture and curl pattern; how to style and maintain the style, and what styles work best; what products are best, etc. Over time, you will grow to understand the unique characteristics of your hair, and eventually, love the texture God gave you. You are one of a kind – and so is your hair.

You can follow Karen’s hair journey on her YouTube channel. 

Photo by Monaé Everett

Myha’la Herrold’s been busy. She stars in the HBO workplace drama Industry and the slasher flick of the summer, Bodies Bodies Bodies, both of which premiered last week. And you may have noticed she’s been rocking inspiring natural hairstyles on and off the red carpet too. 

We caught up with celebrity hair stylist Monaé Everett to see how she created Herrold’s Bantu knot style for her latest photoshoot with Ssense, and to get the scoop on how you can create the look at home! 

Monaé loves to educate, she launched her “The Monae Life Academy” specifically to teach people how to style hair of all textures, and she recently released her second book “Get Out of Your Own Way.” 

We love the asymmetrical look of Myha’la Herrold’s Bantu knots, which were inspired by Monaé’s “love of organic styles and odd numbers.” 

“Another creative aspect of this hairstyle is the fact that the Bantu Knots are not in a singular line, we choose a more organic style than the ever so popular faux hawk.” Keep reading to see how you can get the look at home. 

 

Photo by Monaé Everett

How to get the look

Step 1. Start with damp hair

To prepare the hair for this style simply shampoo and condition as usual. I used Qhemit Biologics Egyptian Wheat Grass Cleansing Tea and Moringa Tree Conditioning Gee. I styled the hair while damp.

Step 2. Create three sections (be creative!”>

I divided the hair into 3 different size sections. The cool thing about Bantu Knots is that the creativity doesn’t stop with the knots. The creativity of this style continues with your sectioning.

The first part I created started at the arch of the left eyebrow and continued to top of the right ear creating a triangle. I then began another part from behind the top of the right ear to back of the left ear. 

Step 3. Braid each section

Then I created a three strand braid and wrapped them down onto themselves into bantu knots leaving the ends exposed. I used Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter to smooth the 3 large braided Bantu knots. Plus this butter locks in hydration and makes the hair shine something fierce! 

Pro tip: For fuller bantu knots, add hair extensions. Choose a texture similar to your own and color that matches the ends of your hair.

Step 4. Leave the ends of the braids out

I secured the Bantu Knots with an elastic bands and bobby pinned the loose hair to the base of the Bantu Knot to give the hair added texture and display the lighter hair color.

Pro tip: To keep the ends of the hair luminous and tangle-free, add a serum like the Qhemet Biologics Coconut & Green Tea Softening Serum.

Photo by Monaé Everett

Watch Monaé Create the Look

,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px”>; width:calc(100% – 2px”>;”>

View this post on Instagram

translateY(7px”>;”>

translateX(3px”> translateY(1px”>; width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;”>

translateY(-18px”>;”>

translateY(-4px”> rotate(30deg”>”>

;”>

;”>

translateX(8px”>;”>

A post shared by Monae Everett (@monaeartistry”>

Credits:

Hair by Monaè Everett @MonaeArtistry

Makeup by Tim Mackay @timmackaybeauty

Learning to care for your curly hair should start young.

OneBlueLight — Getty Images

If your little ones are rocking natural curls, their hygiene and self-care routine may be a little bit more involved than their straight-haired classmates at school, and that’s okay! Curly-haired babies are beautiful and by making hair care part of their daily routine, keeping their curls beautiful and healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Mornings before daycare or school are hectic, so we like to do some of the heavy-lifting at bedtime instead. Here’s a bedtime routine your curly and coily little ones can implement with ease:

1. Have a set schedule

Just like with tooth-brushing, PJ time, and stories before bed, hair care should become second-nature to your children. If extra hair care steps are a surprise some nights, you might get pushback or catch your child in the wrong mood to sit and work through their curls patiently. Skip the fight and fuss by teaching your child that like baths and meals, this is just a normal part of the day. Let them know that your curls need to be cared for, too, and you can do some of these bedtime steps together.

2. Moisturize

We wash our bodies, and we must also moisturize them so that our skin is pliable, healthy, and resilient to the elements. It is important to teach your child that the same is true for our hair. While all types of hair should be conditioned, your child should understand that their special, gorgeous curly hair also needs some extra moisture to stay strong and happy. Choose natural leave-in conditioning products for your child to keep their scalp and hair healthy. Helping your little one understand that this is extra love and not extra work will keep this routine easy and pleasant.

Ulkas — Getty Images

3. Detangle as needed

We recommend to never detangle dry hair. As you probably know, trying to pull your fingers or a detangling comb through dry curls is painful, often too difficult, and always results in more damaged, messy results. With moisturizing product still in their little curls, occupy your child with a book, puzzle, or toy and work your comb or fingers through tangles to separate, define, and reduce strain on individual strands. Older children can handle this themselves, but it’s good to remind them to moisturize liberally beforehand and go slowly. Talk to your child as you detangle together and use this as a time to bond and celebrate your curly hair.

4. Seal strands with oil

The best way to seal and solidify your strands end to end and bolster wellness is applying an oil treatment to the ends of your hair. This step comes in after the leave-in conditioner and the detangling to lock-in moisture. We love heavy oils like this jojoba oil or this coconut oil because their dense formulas are enough to lay down the cuticle without weighing down your child’s curls.

Photo @naturallycurlykids

5. Wrap or pineapple hair

If you’ve been natural for a while, protecting your hair at night is just a typical part of your nighttime routine. While wrapping or pineappling hair before bed is second nature to many grown-up naturals, your little ones should be following in your footsteps to reap the same benefits. The earlier you start this routine, the more familiar it will be. Your child will need to learn how to make good choices for their hair over time so encourage them to help choose a satin bonnet or satin scrunchie in their favorite color or one of your old cotton t-shirts to use with the plopping method. Wrapping hair before bed helps to eliminate tangles, breakage and helps to lock in hydration throughout the night. Pineappling will help prevent extra friction from tossing and turning on a pillow. All of these benefits will help make the next morning easier for you and your kids.

If you like this content for curly kids, share it with your curl friends and remember to follow @NaturallyCurly on Instagram.

Photo @yougonatural

 

When the summer months become unbearably hot, I frequently long to swim in a body of water. Many curlies and coilies, however, are apprehensive to swim frequently because they do not know how to care for their hair before and after the pool. Everyone is not fond of or able to finance extensions so what is another styling alternative? Recently, NaturallyCurly community member Teal_lover5555 inquired about swimming and curly hair care.

Question:

What routine or technique should I use when I go swimming because my hair gets really dry?

Answer:

Usually when I decide to go swimming, I mentally schedule it ahead of time. This summer I have been swimming weekly and my hair has not responded poorly at all. Here is how I prepare my hair for the swimming pool, lake, and other bodies of water I plan to enjoy.

Detangle

Detangling before swimming is essential. The last thing you want is for your curls and coils to become even more intertwined with the shed hair that has not been released. The day before I plan to swim, I divide my hair in five sections, lightly dampen the sections with water, and saturate them with either Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner, Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Strengthening Conditioner, or Yes to Cucumber Color Protection Conditioner. I then proceed to detangle my hair (preferably with a shower comb”> from ends to roots, twist the detangled section in a chunky twist, and move on to the next section.

Absorb the Conditioner

After detangling, I rinse each section to release more shed hair, and then I use my fingers to shingle more conditioner throughout my hair. This is to encourage curl clumpage. Without using a comb or brush, I pull my hair into a bun with my ends tucked, and wrap my hair in a t-shirt to absorb the excess water. After I wash the rest of my body, I remove the t-shirt and secure my hair with a satin scarf and a satin bonnet. Before going to bed I place a raggedy t-shirt over my pillow for the little water that might seep through the bonnet (which is rarely any”>. This method allows my hair to absorb the conditioner the night before getting in the pool. With many conditioners, your hair needs a minimum of 15 minutes to absorb the nutrients, so a last-minute slather of conditioner may not be as effective. 

Wear a Bun

After years of swimming with flat twists and chunky twists, I’ve learned that putting my coils in a bun is by far the best way my hair stays in place, and it also makes for an easier shampoo session afterwards. When I would wear a bun from an old twist out, flat twist out, or braid out, my hair was extremely tangled and matted after swimming. My logic is as follows: when the natural way your curls clump is separated, it tries to return, revert, or shrink to its original curl cluster once it interacts with water.

This is why the second time I apply conditioner with the intention of leaving it in, I apply it with my fingers so that I encourage curl clumpage. My hair is practically in a wash and go state in a bun. I know that may be hard to fathom, but when I release my hair from the ponytail holder, my 4a coils are intact and not spread across one another like a web. There is a difference between combing your hair into a bun versus gently pulling it into a bun. It makes a world of difference for my coils. This technique has prevented my curls from experiencing major moisture loss and it greatly reduces tangling.

For added protection from the water you can put on a swim cap. There are swim caps and turbans made especially for natural hair now, like the YGN Swim Turban (pictured above”> which is lined with silicone on the inside, swim material on the outside, and has a sturdy elastic band around the edge to help keep the water out. 

How do you style your hair for swimming?

Tell us in the comments section, below. And check out this article if you’re looking for information about a post-swimming hair routine.

Here are the best curly hair product deals of Amazon Prime Day 2022, with discounts of up to 51% off! Now is a great time to stock up on the Holy Grails you use consistently in your regimen and save some money. It’s also a low-risk way to try some new products too (although we know Product Junkies don’t need a reason to try new products”>. 

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is a 2-day sale event on Amazon with discounts across all categories – but we are most interested in the curly hair product deals, of course. 

When is Prime Day 2022? 

This year Prime Day begins July 12 and goes through July 13.

 

Wash Day Essentials

1. Zotos Professional All About Curls Daily Cream Conditioner

This bang-for-your-buck conditioner is beloved by Type 2 wavies to Type 4 coilies. 

Price: $9.80 (30% off”>

 

2. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

This reparative shampoo is formulated to help deal with daily curl stress like frizz, split-ends, and damaged hair by relinking broken bonds. 

Price: $24 (20% off and get 5% back in rewards”>

Learn more about Which Olaplex Products are Best for Curly Hair

 

3. Pantene Gold Series Hair Repair Collection

This regimen was developed by Black PhD scientists and perfected by Black hair stylists and comes with a Mask, Anti-Breakage Combing Crème, Overnight Repair Serum, and Cleansing Conditioner.

Price: $22.39 (22% off”>

 

4. Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo For Blonde Hair

Anyone dealing with brassiness likely has a purple shampoo permanently in their lineup, and this one is powerful (don’t leave it in too long”>.

Price: $16.80 (30% off”>

 

5. Pantene Silver Expressions, Purple Shampoo and Hair Toner, Pro-V for Grey and Color Treated Hair

This is a more budget-friendly toner for blonde, grey or color-treated curls.

Price: $10.49 (30% off”>

 

6. PATTERN Beauty Lightweight Conditioner for Curlies, Coilies and Tight Textures

If you haven’t tried Tracee Ellis Ross’s PATTERN yet then this is your chance. 

Price: $33.60 (20% off”> 

 

7. Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle

Curlies know you can’t beat the slip, or the price, of Aussie MOIST. And this set is tear-free for kids.

Price: $14.99 (Get 6% back in rewards”>

 

8. SheaMoisture Curl Shine Coconut Hibiscus Moisturize & Define Conditioner for Curly Hair

This is a Holy Grail product that won the NaturallyCurly community’s 2021 Best of the Best Award for Best Conditioner for Type 3 Curls. 

Price: $7.59 (Get 5% back”>

 

9. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Curly Hair Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Dry

With over 10,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this set is worth trying on a wide range of curl types. 

Price: $11.55 (30% off”>

 

10. Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

This conditioner can be transformative for curlies dealing with chemical damage. 

Price: $24 (20% off”>

 

11. Aussie Miracle Curls Collection

From Type 2 waves to Type 4 coils, this budget-friendly collection gets rave reviews. 

Price: $19.99 (25% off”>

 

12. MopTop Detox Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo treatment is for those days when your curls need a reset. 

Price: $7.99 (20% off”>

Treatments

13. Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner with Protein

This won the NaturallyCurly community’s Best of the Best Award: Best Deep Conditioner for All Curl Types in 2021. Need we say more? 

Price: $9.90 (26% off”>

14. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Olaplex’s best-selling product won Best of the Best Awards for Best Treatment in three categories: Best for Type 2 Waves, Best for Type 3 Curls, and Best for All Curl Types.

To learn more, read Jemima’s review How Olaplex No. 3 Works on My Curly Hair.

Price: $24 (20% off”>

15. K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, 4-Minute Speed Treatment

K18 been hailed as the ‘new Olaplex’ for its ability to repair damaged disulfide bonds. Many stylists think it’s too good to be true, until they try it.

Price: $75 (6% off”>

16. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Intense Repair Inner Strength System with Monoi Oil and Taurine

This reparative treatment is a must-have for brittle, damaged strands. 

Price: $18.30 (30% off”>

17. My Black is Beautiful Calming Scalp & Hair Lotion Treatment

Treat your scalp to the soothing ingredients of blue ginger and mint. 

Price: $9.09 (30% off”>

18. Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Hair Mask

The biggest discount we’ve seen so far at 51% off! And the moisture is unreal.

Price: $6.92 (51% off”>

19. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Another Best of the Best Award winner, this won Best Hair Growth Product for Type 3, Type 4, and All Curl Types. 

Price: $9.11 (8% off”>

Leave-Ins

20. MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner

Stylists love the detangling power of this leave-in.

Price: $16.25 (35% off”>

21. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine 4-in-1 Combing Creme

Do yourself a favor on detangling day, try this combing creme. 

Price: $9.58 (20% off”>

22. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner for Thick, Curly Type 4 Hair

NaturallyCurly’s Best of the Best 2021 winner for the Best Leave-In for Type 4 Coils.

$9.72 (21% off”>

 

Styling Products

23. OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

If this is your Holy Grail styler then now’s a great time to stock up on a whopping 33.8 fl oz of it.

Price: $56.25 (25% off”>

24. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

This anti-humidity spray has surprisingly good results for looser curl patterns. 

Price: $19.60 (30% off”>

25. Living Proof Curl Defining Gel

Now is a perfect time to try luxury lines like Living Proof!

Price: $19.60 (30% off”>

26. Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade

Type 4 Coilies love the shine and moisture this pomade provides. 

Price: $8.38 (30% off”>

27. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel

Best Edge Control for All Curl Types, according to the NaturallyCurly community.

Price: $5.07 (26% off”>

28. NEUMA neuStyling Smoothing Cream

This eco-brand has sustainable packaging and the cream itself controls frizz without weighing fine curls down.

Price: $21 (12% off”>

29. AG Hair Curl Re:coil Curl Activator

This OG product has been popular since the early days of NaturallyCurly’s forum, CurlTalk. 

Price: $16.80 (get 5% back in rewards”>

30. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

This Holy Grail dry shampoo is a favorite weapon for extending the time between wash days. 

Price: $14 (30% off”>

31. Kenra Curl Defining Crème 5

This curl creme was formulated for medium to coarse hair but the reviews show that fine-haired curlies love it too.

Price: $12.59 (30% off”>

32. Color Wow Root Cover Up

This handy compact can be used to create a fuller looking hairline.

Price: $24.15 (30% off”>

33. AG Hair CURL FRESH

Bianca Renee loved this styler and we do too.

Price: $13.50 (get 6% back”>

 

Tools

 

34. Scalp Care Hair Brush with Soft Silicone Scalp Massager

Scalp massages stimulate hair growth, remove product buildup, and feel wonderful. Especially with a scalp brush!

Price: $6.99 (30% off”>

35. Collapsible Hair Diffuser by The Curly Co. with The Curly Co. Satisfaction Guarantee

If you’ve ever had the displeasure of packing a bulky hair dryer and diffuser, then this collapsible diffuser is a game-changer. 

Price: $15.99 (47% off”>

36. Hair Catcher Durable Silicone Hair Stopper Shower Drain Covers Easy to Install and Clean Suit for Bathroom Bathtub and Kitchen 5 Pack

This is a must-have for any curly household, your drains will thank you.

Price: $9.99 (29% off”>

37. Wet Brush Paddle Detangler

Is it time to upgrade your brush? This detangler lives up to the hype. 

Price: $9.15 (34% off”>

38. INFINITIPRO by CONAIR 1875 Watt Hair Dryer

Buy this dryer for its innovative diffuser which gives volume without the frizz.

Price: $25.87 (26% off”>

39. Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron

If you’re going to use a straightening iron, make sure it has adjustable heat settings like this one!

Price: $87.49 (30% off”>

40. Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer, 1875 Watt Professional Blow Dryer for Smooth

Curly girls like that this dryer creates less frizz and dries their hair faster. 

Price: $69.99 (30% off”>

41. Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand

If you use a curling wand to enhance your curls, the shape and various sizes in this set keep your ringlets looking natural. 

Price: $80.49 (30% off”>

42. Goody Ouchless Womens Elastic Hair Tie

A curly girl can never have too many ouchless hair ties. 

Price: $5.76 (32% off”>

What are you adding to cart this Prime Day?

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I didn’t really know I had wavy hair. I grew up in the 80’s, 90’s and so I permed my hair and made it as big as possible. Then later after perms lost their pizazz I did everything in my power to straighten it. Large round brush, paddle brush, flat ironing. I have thicker hair and so it was very damaging to my hair. My brother has beautiful curly locks and growing up I was always envious, not realizing I had the same texture hair as him, I just didn’t know how to style it.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

In 2020 as the pandemic started I got a cancer diagnosis. All hair coloring and maintenance went on the back burner. I quickly realized I had nice wavy hair and it was a deep brown. I had always colored it blonde. I had thyroid cancer and over the next year I lost a lot of my hair, it’s not near as thick as it once was. I stumbled upon the CG method [Curly Girl Method] and ran with it! It’s been fun to experiment and discover the potential of my waves.

 

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

When I started getting lots of compliments from people!! I was thrilled that embracing my al’ natural was attractive and appreciated. People started to ask for advice and what products I used. I have loved my results. I appreciate my color, texture and resilience of my hair and I strive for natural beauty, to grow gracefully and in gratitude of what my body can do.

How do you protect your curls at night?

Surprisingly my waves don’t get too crushed at night and are easy to revive in the morning. I’m in the process of growing my hair a little longer and will probably pineapple it on my head when it is long enough.

What is your Texture Type?

2B

Who is your curl crush?

I am new to the curly culture and so I am discovering new folks all the time. I love to look at anyone who has 2b, 2c waves and soak up all the info and tips I can.

 

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

I just recently discovered Pacifica pineapple curls shampoo and conditioner. It really helps my hair form into clumps. And I always use Alikay Naturals Lemongrass leave in conditioner and their Crème Brûlée curling delight curl cream. If I want more of a cast I end my product with Not your Mothers Curl Talk sculpting gel. I continue to look for new products to try. Oh and I can’t live without my diffuser!!

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I wash and clarify 2x week. In between I cow ash with conditioner always upside down, combing my hair with a large tooth comb. While my hair is soaking wet I put in my leave in conditioner and squish and scrunch, then add curl cream, then gel….squishing and scrunching while it is super wet and upside down. Then I squish out excess water with a t-shirt, put myself upright and air dry about 15-20 min. Then I diffuse on low flow, medium heat, again upside down until it is about 90% dry. Air dry a little bit more, shake out my waves and set with whatever hairspray I have. I don’t see too many curly’s using hairspray but it really helps to keep my hair out of my face. I feel like I am a newby and still learning so much from everyone

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

I live in a dry windy climate, my cute morning waves sometimes are a mess by evening and get frizzy. And getting volume at my crown is a constant challenge. I’m still trying to figure that out.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Changing my hair products to sulfate free, paraben free, silicone free. My hair feels so clean despite all the products I use. Also my large tooth comb I can’t live without! I never use a brush anymore.

 

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Just embrace what life has given you. We are all beautiful in our own unique way. Stop wishing for someone else’s hair and just love your own for what it is. After getting through cancer I am so much more appreciative of my body and what it CAN do, and I seek natural beauty…at 47 I feel like I can just accept myself and love what God gave me, flaws and all. I have 2 adult daughters and I want to be an example to them of self love and acceptance. My oldest has hair just like mine and my baby has sleek straight hair. Both are beautiful!

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Shop all your favorite products for curly, coily and wavy hair in one place: SHOPNaturallyCurly is back! Whether you’re looking for drugstore, salon or niche brands, stock up on your Holy Grails and discover new favorites reviewed by thousands of like-minded curly community members. 

Opening Weekend Sale

We’re so happy to be back and can’t wait to re-engage with our community in a whole new way! And to celebrate, we’re having a Memorial Day Sale with $15 off $50 or more, free domestic shipping on orders $50 or more through May 30. Use the code 20MEM22 at checkout to redeem your discount. Our opening weekend sale includes curly favorites like Soultanicals, Curls, tgin, Eden BodyWorks, Caniivy, KinkyCurly, and Curls Dynasty.

SHOPNaturallyCurly has been curating a curly selection of products like no other since 2004, when NaturallyCurly Co-Founders Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber were personally mailing products to curly community members across the country from Gretchen’s home. “For a lot of brands like Jessicurl, DevaCurl, and Miss Jessie’s we were the first place besides their own websites to sell their products” shares Michelle Breyer. Brands like AG and Jessicurl used NaturallyCurly’s forum, CurlTalk, to gain valuable insights from the curly community to develop new products that meet our needs. “I like to shop there because I can get products from so many different brands at once, get them shipped with one shipping cost, and get them all in a couple of days” says CurlTalk user gardencurls.

Add to Cart: Award-Winning Products

Need some Holy Grail recommendations to add to cart? Check out these Best of the Best Award-winning curl products, as voted on by the NaturallyCurly community:

1. Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray

Refresh and moisturized your curls without weighing them down.

Voted Best Detangler for Type 3 Curls

2. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel

Give your edges the hold your style needs along with strengthening ingredients for hair growth.

Voted Best Edge Control for All Hair Types

3. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter

So beloved it won multiple awards, pick up this Holy Grail butter to keep your twists and braids looking their best this summer. 

Voted Best Styler for Twists and Braids for All Hair Types, and Best Hair Butter for All Hair Types

4. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

This powerful at-home reparative treatment is a must-have for anyone with lightened, bleached or damaged hair. 

Voted Best Treatment for Type 4 Coils

5. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

Definition, shine, volume, touchable control – this has everything you could want in a styling product.

Voted Best Mousse for All Hair Types and Best Holy Grail Product for All Hair Types

6. Ecoco Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil

Name a better curl product for less than $4, we’ll wait. 

Voted Best Hair Gel for All Hair Types

7. Cantu

Delivering all the bang for your buck, Cantu is your brand pick for Best Value. 

Voted Best Value Brand for All Hair Types

Read next: The 15 Best Styling Products, According to Naturals

8. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

Tangle-melting, hair-softening moisture in a tub. Look no further for DEEP conditioning.

Voted Best Deep Conditioner for Type 3 Curls

9. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

This co-washing product has been winning NaturallyCurly awards for close to a decade. If you’re looking to cut down on shampoo, add this to cart. 

Voted Best Co-Wash/Cleansing Conditioner for All Hair Types

This product swept all Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 awards for this category!

10. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This classic, multi-use curl cream by SheaMoisture wins beauty awards year after year for a reason.

Voted Best Styling Cream for All Hair Types

Check out SHOPNaturallyCurly to discover your next Holy Grail product!

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Well originally I had stick straight hair. It was straight, it never held a curl, and it was boring. Then around 11 or 12 my hair started growing in frizzy and nasty. I hated it. I’d blow out my bangs and all my hair every morning so all my cowlicks and frizz was semi gone. I was obsessed with smoothing products and over washing my hair. I had no idea how to take care of it.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

When I was 14 I bleached all of my hair. It was yellow and nasty. The hair got so damaged it broke off. I kept washing my hair every day and it got dryer and dryer. This was when my acne got really bad too so I looked ridiculous. I cringe looking at photos of that ugly blonde hair. Then i realized my hair was kind of curly. I started letting it dry with a diffuser and a little bit of gel my mom had. My mom rarely wore her hair curly but she had some ouidad gel. Eventually I stopped shampooing everyday because my hair was so damaged I didn’t know what to do.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

I started the curly girl method but then learned that it wasn’t 100% what my hair needed. I think learning that you don’t need to be so strict with your hair is something important everyone needs to know. People always ask me if it’s my natural hair when they see my lovely wavy curls and it’s a lot better than asking me when I was going to straighten it again.

Read more: Why These Women Don’t Follow the Curly Girl Method

How do you protect your curls at night?

Silk pillowcase, silk bonnet, and if my hair is trashed from me sleeping (it generally is”> I’m not afraid to hop in the shower and restyle everyday.

What is your Texture Type?

2C

Who is your curl crush?

Manes by Mell 100%. She has taught me everything I know about my curls.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

My prose custom shampoo and conditioner is absolutely amazing. Also my Sam Villa hairdryer and diffuser is awesome. And an honorable mention is this NaturallyCurly website.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

• I use my Prose custom shampoo and conditioner each wash.
• If I need a gentler cleanse I use the As I Am Coconut Cowash and if I need to clarify I use the Malibu C un-do goo.
• For leave-ins I love SheaMoisture Straighten and Restore.
• Curl creams I use the DevaCurl Wave Maker.
• For gels I really like the DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel and the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.
• For mousse I love the SheaMoisture mousse and the Maui Moisture mousse.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Comparing myself to others. I always wanted really curly hair but it took time to realize I don’t have 3C hair. My hair is unique and beautiful. I just wish I could’ve realized that sooner.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

I love my Denman brush. It is amazing. It really helps those curls spring. Also if your hair is feeling messed up or lacking shine before adding protein add moisture. My hair has gotten terribly dry and it never got better until I used moisture. Your hair might not be damaged, it’s just thirsty.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Keep trying! If you don’t succeed now, give yourself a month or two. Take pictures regularly or your progress and don’t be afraid to try out new products or techniques.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Picture the shampoo, conditioner, leave-ins, styling and finishing products you use on any given day. Depending on your hair care routine and on how many products you use in your routine, you could be going through close to 40 bottles each year (assuming three bottles each month”>. For Product Junkies, this number is likely to be even higher. That makes for a plethora of plastic packaging that you are disposing of every year.

Of course, both the size of the bottle as well as how much you use will determine how many bottles you use. That said, have you considered what your bottle usage may be doing to the environment? Is there an eco-friendly way to be a curly girl?

What is BPA in plastic?

Many plastic products – especially bottles – contain a chemical known as BPA (Bisphenol A”>. While this chemical helps harden plastic bottles, it’s also hazardous to humans. In fact, there’s a link between BPA and cancer, neurological problems, and even early puberty in girls. This chemical enters your body through contact with BPA-containing plastics.

What kind of plastic do hair products come in?

Many shampoo bottles are made from a plastic known as HDPE (high-density polyethylene”> plastic. This type of plastic is so safe that even eco-friendly companies recommend it for manufacturing baby bottles.

It’s standard practice for many curlies to research the ingredients in your curly hair products, especially with so many brands now putting front and center their choice to exclude certain ingredients from their formulas; likewise, it wouldn’t hurt to check out a brand’s stance on product packaging.

Is all plastic recyclable?

Not all plastic bottles are recyclable. Even though you may think to put it in your recycling bin, that doesn’t guarantee it won’t eventually end up in a landfill.

Not all plastic bottles are recyclable. Even though you may think to put it in your recycling bin, that doesn’t guarantee it won’t eventually end up in a landfill.

Know Your Numbers

All plastics display a number, which identifies the materials used in them as well as whether or not they’re recyclable.

To determine whether your product bottles come from HDPE plastic, look on the side or bottom of the bottle. If the bottle contains a number “2” surrounded by arrows in the form of a triangle and contains the letters HDPE, then it contains HDPE plastic. (The letters HDPE may or may not have arrows around them”>.

• #3, #6, and #7 are among the absolute worst; they also contain BPA.
• Bottles with #1 have small amounts of BPA that slowly releases itself over time.
• The best plastics have the number #2, #4, or #5 on them.

You will need to check the guidelines for your local area to see which plastic numbers they accept.

Where to recycle your product bottles

If you’ve determined that you’d like to recycle your product bottles, there are several options. In many neighborhoods, all you’ll need to do is place your materials in a recycling bin (that you keep”> and put them by the curb on trash pick-up days. If your neighborhood doesn’t do this, you can also bring your recycled materials to on-site locations. The site 1-800-Recycling.com was set up to help you find those on-site locations near you. Simply click the button titled “plastics” for product bottles, then select the type of plastic you have from the menu on the right. From there, you’ll just enter in your zip code or city, and the site will find you the nearest locations!

If you have a lot of stuff that you’d love to have hauled off, try 1-800-GOT-JUNK who will not only haul away large quantities of stuff but they’ll also do your recycling for you. They’ll come to your house and give you a quote as to what it’ll cost to remove everything, and then you’ll decide when you’d like them to come take it!

Rethink your product consumption

To be eco-conscious, you may need to re-think a few things. Do you really NEED that new bottle of shampoo that all the curlies rage about online? If you decide you must have it, what will you do with your other bottle? If you justified the new purchase because your other bottle is almost empty, where will the bottle go when you’re finished? Can you recycle it? If not, where will it end up going? Being aware of these considerations, and asking yourself these questions before each and every purchase, can help you make more environmentally friendly purchase decisions.

Repurpose your used products

Many curly girls are DIY-ers, so it’s a great idea to hold onto your used product bottles for your future concoctions. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and cleanse with hot water, releasing any leftover product on the inside of the bottle, which could interfere with your new mixture.

Read next: 5 Hair Brands that Will Biodegrade When You’re Done With Them

Photo by @xcurlychaos

Most curlies and coilies love the versatility of their natural tresses. Sleek chignons, voluminous twist outs, and bold Bantu knots are just a few of the vast styling options that can be easily achieved on textured hair. Some curlies also like to wear it straight, but sporting this look can be detrimental if done too frequently or achieved improperly. Recently, NaturallyCurly community member priyankaa inquired about heat damage in our Q&A section.

Question:

I have severe heat damage, should I big chop or transition for a while ? I should also add that I am in college and where I go to school there isn’t and hair stylist near by. So I am left to deal with my hair myself.

 

 

Curlies love using custards, gelees, and creams on their hair – but did you know some use literal butters on their hair? As in the long-time food ingredient ghee? When it comes to taking good care of your hair, there’s a wealth of natural ingredients that have been reported to heal and strengthen strands for literally centuries! Plant based ingredients like mango, amla, and shea are well known in the curly community—especially when in a nice thick buttery form! As for ghee butter, no need to have a cow, we’ll tell you how to butter up your ‘do.

Before jumping on board with this hair care trend, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, we’re 100% NOT talking about applying regular sticks you’d find in the dairy section to your hair! As you may have already been thinking, that kind of butter is very much susceptible to spoilage, and hardening up once it cools. If you like the company of flies, you’re all set with the regular stuff, but for those of us that aren’t feeling the buzz, the butter you do want to apply is called ghee.

What is Ghee?

This is a clarified version of butter, made by heating butter to its melting point and sifting the liquids from other normally tasty impurities, that is strictly composed of nothing but fat as opposed to baking style butter that contains milk solids and salt.

Where is Ghee from?

While the name Ghee originated in India, it’s mostly used there as a condiment and sacred offering in the Hindu faith. We get clarified butter as a curl treatment from a bit farther west in modern-day Ethiopia and the surrounding areas.

Why do people use ghee on their hair?

There’s a reason why this stuff has been in use for generations: the clarified butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and K, as well as straight up fat (naturally”> that seals moisture into the hair and shields it from exposure to damaging sun, sand, and wind—exactly the elements the Northeast African countries have in abundance.

What are the benefits of ghee for hair?

It can help calm a dry scalp without irritating it even more, and can also be used as an easily absorbed skin moisturizer for your really dry areas like elbows, hands, and feet. While it’s not something you’d want to drink straight (what’s good on your hair is not good in your arteries”> according to clinical nutritionist Dr. Josh Axe, “Ghee benefits the body both inside and out, and is actually used topically to treat burns and rashes as well as to moisturize the skin and scalp. Much like coconut oil, it’s a multi-use fat that is healthy in many ways.” Of course this is for MILD abraisions and dryness/friction related rashes only, but that’s not a half bad bonus!

Ghee is also reported to help hair growth, but the jury’s still out on that claim as far as clinical evidence goes. Still, since certain issues like a dry, unhealthy scalp can get in the way of hair growth, it’s possible that the connection is still there.

How do you use ghee butter on hair?

Ghee butter can be used the same way as any of your other favorite oils. You can apply it to tired strands and leave on for 30 minutes as a restorative hair mask, style your edges with it for a sleek look, and even use it as your go-to oil to seal hair under your daily moisturizer! The possibilities are endless!

If you’re a little reluctant to try full on cow-based conditioning, we recommend picking up ORS’ Hydrating Hair Butter. It blends ingredients like beeswax and sweet-smelling coumarin with the ghee to ease you into the idea a little more if you’re not udderly delighted by the prospect of straight butter in your hair!

What do you think curlies? Would you try ghee conditioning in your routine? Go on…we triple-dog dairy you.

This article has been updated for grammar and clarity.

Manes By Mell was YOUR favorite blogger of 2021 winning the NaturallyCurly Best of the Best awards for Type 2 Wavy Hair and for All Hair Types. Hit play on any video on her YouTube channel and it’s easy to see why. Mell is a curly hair stylist whose videos are as informative as they are entertaining, and watching her is sure to bring a smile to your face and a bounce to your curls.

If you’ve perused the NaturallyCurly Best of the Best winners list then you know it is long. There were 26 award categories and within each category are winners for Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 and All Hair Types. That’s a lot of awards. So to break it down for you, Mell reviewed as many of the products as she could on her one head of hair for all of us to benefit. Watch below to see how your favorite products worked on Mell’s curls on multiple wash days and refresh days, along with her full review.  

Watch Mell’s Review

You can find the full list of Best of the Best winners here. Find out who else won in the blogger category. And be sure to subscribe to Manes by Mell for more value-packed videos.